Mission Initiative

Surprised by Haiti

      It has been my experience that God usually delivers more than I ask for, better than I hope for and in ways I never expect. Of course when my view of the world is too small, or my heart grown too cold, anything God does will be bigger, better and brighter than my wildest dreams. These encounters alter my view of reality and my call to discipleship. That’s how I know it’s a God-thing. For many years Haiti was just a dot on the map, a headline and an island of poverty. It was so different than any of my life experiences I just couldn’t connect. I simply viewed Haiti as a 3^rd world country in desperate conditions, to which we, as wealthy Christians, could swoop in and come to their rescue. We could play savior through the power of our dollars. How naïve! Haiti is first and foremost people, God’s people, flesh and blood like you and me, and thus part of our extended family. Just like our families, they too sometimes find themselves in desperate, broken conditions. They are hurting, fearful and lonely; that I can understand. I still have much to learn from them that I simply cannot learn here. Haiti is a crucible for my faith, my life story and ongoing walk with Christ. Through missions we enter in a personal way the lives of those who deal with poverty, disease and chaos on a day-to-day basis. When we become vulnerable in a relationship, our world grows larger. Personal relationships make us more vulnerable than we like, but also more alive than we is possible any other way. That is why I’m appealing to the compassion and generosity of First United Methodist Church family, to our ministry teams, and our leadership to make the Haiti orphanage an intentional focus for our discipleship journey and legacy. If our Centennial focus has taught me anything it is that this church has a profound sense of gratitude, a firm belief in God’s message and mission and a resolve to make a lasting impact.relationship, our world grows. Personal relationships make us more vulnerable than we like, but also more alive than we could any other way. This Ministry Focus will be in three key areas:

1. To KNOW personally the boys, pastors and caregivers, their dreams and desires.
2. To ENGAGE in serious dialog about Christian missions, the future and the challenges they face.
3. To SHARE Hope through growing mission teams, technology, and educational opportunities.

I know we can do this! I also know we’re ready for something this bold and aggressive. This is not just about money, but ideas, prayer, and participation. This initiative in no way suggests we’re losing our focus on local and state needs. We will continue to supported local and state programs just as much as we have in the past. But in this Centennial year, it is time for First United Methodist Church to make its presence felt in the world and plant tomorrow’s seeds today! check out the 2012 Mission trip Photos